Preview: Liverpool vs Manchester United

 Manchester United VS England's 2nd most successful red team

-Samarth Purohit

Photo via: insidesport.com

Manchester United have been in a bit of a precarious position lately, dropping points against teams such as Aston Villa and Everton, where they needed to secure 3 points to mount an effective title charge. Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is going to have to beat, no-dominate, Liverpool at Old Trafford this weekend to have any hopes of keeping his position, as rumours of Zidane and Conte taking over begin to gain more traction. Fans seem to have lost any hopes of a title charge under OGS as several fans prepare to protest at Old Trafford this weekend, and this may very well be the club legend’s last shot at redemption.


Injuries: Raphael Varane (groin injury during nation's league final), Harry Maguire (VS Everton) and Luke Shaw(VS Everton). Though it's important to note the latter 2 will still be playing as they show signs of complete recovery. Marcus Rashord (dead leg), Bruno Fernandes (VS Atalanta), Fred (VS Atalanta). It is unsure as to whether they will be fit enough to play on Sunday



The Red Devil’s Last 5 showings: L-W-D-L-W


Expected formation: 4-2-3-1


  1. GK:  David DeGea
    De Gea has had a few disappointing seasons as of late, but that can not be said about his performance in the 2021/22 season so far. Impressive saves against Wolves, Atalanta and the likes of West Ham have cemented fans’ faith that their goalkeeper is back to his best. Much will depend on Sunday, on his ability to keep the likes of Mo Salah and Mane from putting it at the back of the net, with this being slated to be his toughest venture this season.

  2.  DEFENCE: Luke Shaw,Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Wan Bissaka
    Luke Shaw and AWB are slated to continue their run as Manchester United’s fullbacks for this fixture, and they offer rather similar styles of play on the left and right respectively, as they are usually involved in presses and are instrumental to assisting the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandez in their goals. Further, AWB has proven himself to be one of the best one-on-one defenders in the EPL, which is no doubt something he will have to prove against the offence of Mane and Salah. Raphael Varane’s injury means Victor Lindelof has the chance to shine, and he has done what is expected of him in the last few fixtures. Captain Harry Maguire has a shocker of a run against Leicester, but most blame can go to him playing despite clearly not being ready to be on the pitch. Maguire has proved to be an effective captain, and is instrumental for Manchester United’s defensive positioning.

  3. Defensive Midfield:Fred & Scott Mctominay
    The duo of Fred and Mctominay, now dubbed McFred by fans, has been a controversial one for Manchester United. Neither of them have impressed fans much, as they often make errors that cost the team goals. This was most noticeable against Everton, where Fred was pushed off the ball in a play which ended in the Reds conceding a goal. However, the duo was impressive against Atalanta in the UCL recently, and were they able to keep up the performance they showed on Wednesday, Liverpool could have a very difficult time getting past the duo.

  4. Offensive Midfield and Wingers: Marcus Rashford, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandez, Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood
    Reading 5 names for a 3 person fit may seem odd but it seems inevitable that all 5 of these players will play a role in the match against Liverpool, as OGS enjoys an almost unprecedented offensive depth. I believe Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandez and Jadon Sancho will start the match, with Pogba and Greenwood being subbed on for Rashford and Sancho respectively around the 65th minute or so. Bruno Fernandez has nothing left to prove after his stellar performances over the last 2 years or so, carrying the Manchester United offence until this season, and creating chances at an unprecedented level, with Sancho’s speed and creativity and Rashford’s comfort scoring back to back already, ManUtd’s offense can be one of the best in Europe.

  5. Striker: Cristiano Ronaldo

This is a no-brainer as CR7 proves time and time again why he is considered one of, if not THE greatest footballer of all time. His timing and positioning allow him to capitalise on chances created by his team at a fantastic level. While Liverpool has the likes of Virgil Van Dijk in their defence, their defensive abilities seem to be a bit lacking, as proved by a more defensive side, such as Atletico Madrid, putting 2 goals past them. Liverpool won, simply because they had a stronger offence by the end, with Salah playing at a level unlike ever before. Regardless, CR7 is considered the best goalscorer in the world for a reason, and if anyone can be trusted to ensure the ball reaches the back of the net for Man United, it is Cristiano Ronaldo. 


KEY AREA: MIDFIELD


Manchester United need to ensure their midfield can effectively dictate the match, which they have failed to do on many previous occasions. Liverpool has a very strong midfield that can hold the tempo of the match to their liking, and McFred and Bruno will have to hold the game together, or it will be near impossible to stop the likes of an in-form Salah, or outscore the Liverpool offence. 


Prediction: ManU 2-3 Liverpool

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